TABLE OF CONTENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The medical school admissions process works differently at each school and program, but certain things remain roughly the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick overview of the medical school admissions process: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 1: Review of Primary Application <\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 2: Review of Non-Academic Accomplishments <\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 3: Review of Secondary Application<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 4: Medical School Interview <\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 5: Admissions Offers Extended<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep reading to learn about the medical school admissions process in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n A group will make an initial review of the applications, making a first cut to separate possible acceptances from clear rejections. At this stage, there are several reasons for rejection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first cut will eliminate candidates who fall below the school\u2019s standards for both GPA and MCAT scores. Those left for the secondary review are those who have demonstrated sufficient proof of their academic skill.<\/p>\n\n\n Once you\u2019re through the primary review, the focus shifts from your intellectual abilities to your non-academic accomplishments. Now the program will ask you for letters of recommendation, a list of extracurricular activities, a second essay (or set of short responses), and any other requirements they may have.<\/p>\n\n\n Some medical schools only send secondary applications to a fraction of the initial applicant pool, while others send them to anyone who meets the academic requirements. Because each school creates their own secondary application, you can determine what\u2019s important to that school by the questions it asks. For instance, if a school asks for significant information about extracurricular activities, you can be pretty sure that it will figure large in the screening process.<\/p>\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve sent in the secondary application you may be invited to interview. Essentially, this implies that you\u2019re acceptable to the school on paper. But beware\u2014if you have a poor interview, you will likely berejected.On the flip side, a great interview can ensure your acceptance. There are some schools, however, that only use interviews to further weed out candidates. At these schools, a good interview doesn\u2019t carry much weight at all.<\/p>\n\n\n Medical school admissions decisions are typically announced on a rolling basis, beginning in the fall and lasting through the spring of the application cycle. Decision notification timelines vary; applicants should consult the specific policies of the medical schools they are applying to get a better sense of timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep reading to learn about the different types of medical school admissions decisions you may receive.<\/p>\n\n\n Congratulations, you\u2019re in! But read the letter carefully. The committee may recommend, or in some cases require, that you complete some preparatory course work to ensure that your skills meet their standards. Be mindful of deadlines for accepting your spot and submitting your deposit in case you\u2019re waiting to hear back from other schools as well.<\/p>\n\n\n At the top schools, there are far more qualified applicants than there are spaces in the class. Although you were rejected, you can reapply at a later date. If you are intent on reapplying, the onus is on you to demonstrate that you\u2019re a better candidate now than you were previously. This may involve improving your MCAT score,<\/a> taking additional courses, gaining substantive new experience, or writing better essays.<\/p>\n\n\n Medical schools use a waitlist, sometimes called an \u201calternate list,\u201d to manage class size. The good news is that you wouldn\u2019t be on the list if you were not considered a strong candidate. The bad news is that there is no way to know with certainty whether you\u2019ll be accepted. Be aware, though, that schools do tend to look kindly upon waitlisted candidates who reapply in a subsequent year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve been waitlisted for medical school, try to sway your case. For example, if someone offered you a recommendation that you didn\u2019t accept, now would be the time to ask the person if the offer still stands. Sending extra material in gives the admissions committee more information that might swing the balance in your favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some medical schools in the United States offer early decision programs (EDPs). For an EDP, you can file only one application to the one medical school you wish to attend. Most schools accept these special applications by August 1. Keep in mind, however, that you will be prohibited from applying to any other schools until that school has rendered a decision. If you\u2019re accepted\u2014most schools notify candidates by October 1\u2014then you must attend.<\/p>\n\n\nMedical School Admission Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep #1: Review of Primary Application<\/h3>
Step #2: Review of Non-Academic Accomplishments<\/h3>
Step #3: Review of Secondary Application<\/h3>
Step #4: Medical School Interview<\/h3>
Step #5: Admissions Offers Extended<\/h3>
Types of Medical School Admissions Decisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical School Acceptances<\/h3>
Medical School Rejections<\/h3>
Medical School Waitlist<\/h3>
What to Do if You\u2019re Waitlisted for Medical School<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Medical School Early Decision Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n